Michigan Mediation

The Michigan Court Rules (MCR 2.411) permit a judge to order mediation in a domestic relations case. Parties can agree to a mediator or pick a mediator from a court-approved list of mediators. Mediators are not required to be attorneys; however, they generally have substantial training in mediation. Mediation is completely confidential, and the court will never know what was offered or discussed in mediation. If parties settle during mediation, a written settlement agreement will be signed, and the court will then enforce the agreement. If no agreement is reached, a trial may become necessary to resolve the issues.